400-HP VW Arteon Planned To Compete With The...Panamera?

The Volkswagen CC is no more, but in its place is the stunning new Arteon, which . According to , a VW product line spokesperson confirmed there’s a performance-focused Arteon on the way with a turbocharged 3.0-liter VR6 engine with 404 hp. At the moment, the only engines offered are a 2.0-liter TDI with about 150 hp and a 2.0-liter turbo four with 276 hp. Although there are more engine options to come, it’s the VR6 that catches our attention the most.

Unfortunately, the Arteon is not sold in the US, and we don’t know of any immediate plans to alter that. Along with that engine, VW is planning to add its Haldex four-wheel drive system. And to make American performance sedan buyers feel even more left out, this same VW PR official started smack talking the Porsche Panamera, also a VW Group product. “I’m totally convinced that this combination is extremely nice,” he said. “We’ve combined it with the last version of the Haldex (four-wheel drive system), where you can provoke a bit of oversteer. This is a real agile, powerful car.” As for taking it on the Autobahn? “You can beat all the Porsche Panameras out of your way!”

Realistically speaking, we have our doubts the upcoming Arteon VR6 can truly take on the mighty Panamera, regardless of trim, but there is something else that, on paper and in appearance, is already the ideal competitor: the .